Subject: Day 1 CFI to San Marcos
What a differenc e ayear makes. In short order Ride 2 Recovery has grown into quite a brotherhood of injured veterans and their supporters.

The weather today was great, slightly overcast, warm, a bit humid and a bog tailwind. Judging by the amount of red faces and legs at dinner tonight, more sunscreen is in order for tomorrow.

Today, a great send off from the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center started us on our way to San Marcos. They had the Army Band, the UCONN and Standford cheerleaders, (who were in town for the womens Final Four) and American Idol singer Ayla Brown. They all came out to see everyone off with 130strong. We rolled out of San Antonio and thru the countryside towards San Marcos. Throughout the day we had great support from the American Legion Riders keeping us safe and free of traffic. The only time we hot the brakes all day was when we reached the half-way USO lunch stop.

The added addition of UnitedHealthcare and their coporate support that goes along with the Legion Family and USO orgainzation support. One of the big benefits of UHC is the many employee volunteers that come out and support the ride. If you need a drink, a sandwich, or a cool towell, a UHC person was their to help.

With many different types of injuries represented on the ride, many of the more significant injuries need some extra help and the volunteers are there to help. With 10+ support drivers in the ride, it really helps to have that kind of support.

Over the next few days we will bring you some of the stories. We have many groups from all over the country including large groups from Ft. Carson, Ft. Bliss, Ft. Hood, and CFI.

Tomorrow, we head to Austin, the capitol of Texas and a warm city welcome.
John Wordin